Paul Finebaum questions Notre Dame's preseason ranking in AP Poll
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 19, 2026, 11:02 AM
Last updated Aug 19, 2026
SEC expert Paul Finebaum expressed confusion over Notre Dame's preseason ranking of No. 4 in the AP Poll and No. 5 in the US LBM Coaches Poll. During an appearance on ESPN’s First Take, Finebaum suggested that Notre Dame should be rated higher, comparing them to Oregon as 1A and 1B. He noted that most experts consider Notre Dame a strong contender for the College Football Playoff despite some lingering questions about the team. The sentiment surrounding the Irish reflects a favorable view from the media ahead of the upcoming season.
- •Notre Dame is ranked No. 4 in the AP Poll.
- •Paul Finebaum suggests the Irish should be rated higher.
- •Finebaum compares Notre Dame to Oregon as top teams.
- •Most experts view Notre Dame as a College Football Playoff contender.
- •Questions remain about the team despite positive media perception.
- 11:02 AMYahoo Sports — SEC expert Paul Finebaum confused on Notre Dame’s preseason rank
"SEC expert Paul Finebaum has some issues with Notre Dame football’s ranking in one of the preseason polls.
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